About Us

Hi i'm Rachel Ralph, owner and manager of Hydropaws.  Destined to work with animals from an early age, I headed off to Wye College, University of London in Kent to study for a degree in Animal Sciences.  Working part time in a racing yard developed my interest in the equine athlete and after completing my studies at Wye I headed to University College Dublin for post graduate study in equine science.  Based at the only vet school in Ireland there was lots of opportunity to see a wide range of referral cases and lots of anatomical studies. 

Once my studies were completed I headed to Nottingham Trent University in the UK to lecture in Equine and Animal Sciences. During my time teaching, I continued my professional development in areas such as equine rehabilitation, performance and exercise physiology. 

After several enjoyable years teaching, I headed back to Kent to work as an assistant trainer in a racing yard.  During this time I gained my Equine Body Worker qualification and attended courses in advanced sports massage, myofascial therapy and rehabilitation as well as becoming involved in equine hydrotherapy. 

In 2002, I moved out to New Zealand and now live on a 300 acre dairy farm near Te Awamutu with my husband, Guy.   Although still working in the equine industry my life soon revolved around dogs.   With an English Springer Spaniel bitch imported from the UK in 1998, we are now have 4 generations of dogs from that line that work extensively through the shooting season.  I began spaniel natural game trialling with Pippit in early 2009 and later on that year imported a young bitch from the UK who whelped 4 pups by the UK's top trial dog, Maesyronen Markettrader.  I am now President for The Working Spaniel Club. My existing equine knowledge has been transferred into the dog world and I have gained experience in the field of canine hydrotherapy, massage and rehabilitation.

Hydropaws offers a top class facility for boarding dogs and for physical rehabilitation of dogs using massage, an underwater treadmill and a canine gym.  Nutritional advice and canine weight loss programs are also part of the service.  I aim to continue my professional development and keep up to date with advances in Canine Rehabilitation around the world providing the best possible service to my clients.

Hydropaws offers facilities for owners who require that little bit extra for their dogs - we look forward to working with them soon.

Rachel